Netball comes to the opera

On song: Roxane Hislop and opera performers Daniel Todd, Ashlyn Tymms, Kimberley Colman, Kathryn Radcliffe, Nathan Lay and Stacey Alleaume.

By Tara McGrath

A unique arts partnership means Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs will get to experience a ‘netballer’s opera’ live on a netball court.

Contact! The Netball Opera opened to rave reviews at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Next month, the Knox Regional Netball Centre will be the only other suburban centre to get the show.

“We wouldn’t have got the show without this fantastic partnership between the Knox Community Arts Centre and the Arts Centre Melbourne,” KCAC co-ordinator Richard Mitchell said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity because it means you don’t have to go into the city to see a show.”

Performers will be fully decked out in traditional netball gear of bibs and skirts. There’ll even be orange quarters at half-time. “It’s a part of Australian culture. I think it will do for netball what David Williamson’s The Club did for football,” Mr Mitchell said.

The show features a series of funny twists including a local football star who harbours a secret passion for netball and a newcomer who’s out to cause trouble.

Contact! is suitable for ages 10 and up and is showing Friday, May 4 at 8pm and Saturday, May 5 at 3pm and 8pm at Knox Regional Netball Centre in Ferntree Gully. Bookings: 9729 7287 or knox.vic.gov.au/theatretix.